08/04/2025
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Flexi-Leads in Dog Training: Useful Tool or Daily Walk Disaster?
Flexi-leads, or retractable leads, are a common sight in towns, parks, and even country lanes across the UK. For some, they represent convenience and a bit of freedom for their dog. For others, especially those of us in the dog training world, they can be a source of frustration and, in some cases, genuine danger.
This article isnât about demonising flexi-leads. Like many tools, they have their place â but only when used responsibly and with a clear understanding of their purpose and limitations. Letâs break down the pros and cons, explore where and when a flexi-lead might be appropriate, and highlight the issues that arise when theyâre misused.
The Responsible Use of Flexi-Leads
Used properly, a flexi-lead can be an extremely helpful bit of kit. Personally, I use one almost daily â but only in specific contexts.
For instance, when Iâm getting dogs out of the van at work, Iâll clip them onto a flexi-lead to give them the opportunity to stretch, toilet, or just get their bearings. It offers them a degree of freedom without compromising safety. I might also use it during play when I want the dog to remain reasonably close, particularly if weâre in a semi-enclosed area or if Iâm working on recall and the dog is still in the learning phase.
It gives me an element of control, especially with younger or less experienced dogs whose recall isnât quite where I want it to be yet. Itâs not about laziness or convenience â itâs about being sensible, providing structure, and managing potential risk.
Where It All Goes Wrong: Flexi-Leads on Daily Walks
What grinds my gears â and I say this with no apology â is seeing flexi-leads used on daily walks, especially in busy environments. Walk through any town and youâll spot it: dogs six to eight feet ahead of their owners (or worse, lagging just as far behind), leads locked in extended position, the human completely detached from what the dog is doing.
Even at the side of a road. Thatâs not just irresponsible â itâs downright dangerous. Itâs not dog training. Itâs not even walking your dog. Itâs just plain stupid.
Dogs need to learn how to walk beside their handlers. They need to understand lead pressure, loose lead walking, and what it means to engage with their human. A dog pulling at the end of a flexi-lead is not learning these things â theyâre reinforcing the exact opposite.
Itâs classic opposition reflex in action. The more tension there is on the line, the more the dog pulls against it. And with a flexi-lead constantly maintaining tension, that reflex is never countered â itâs fed.
The Cons of Flexi-Leads: More Than Just Annoyances
Aside from the clear training drawbacks, flexi-leads present a host of practical problems:
1. Entanglement and Injury
Almost weekly, I see dogs and owners tangled in flexi-leads. Sometimes itâs mild â a bit of hopping and unravelling. Other times, itâs more serious. Iâve seen rope burns, fingers injured, and dogs panicked by being inadvertently tripped or caught.
2. Mechanical Failure
Flexi-leads are not indestructible. They require maintenance. If theyâre put away wet, muddy, or tangled, they can jam or fail. Iâve witnessed leads snap, locks give way, or handles break clean off â usually at the worst possible moment. Thatâs not a risk Iâm willing to take near a road or in any area with livestock or wildlife.
3. False Sense of Control
Many owners think theyâre âin controlâ simply because the dog is attached to a lead â but with a flexi-lead, particularly at full extension, your reaction time is diminished. Youâve effectively given your dog a six-metre head start. If something triggers them â a cyclist, another dog, a squirrel â your ability to intervene quickly is severely limited.
4. Reinforcing Disengagement
Dogs on extended flexi-leads often move independently of their owner. They learn to switch off from their handler, to scan their environment instead of checking in. This is the very opposite of what we strive for in good leash manners and obedience training.
But Are Flexi-Leads All Bad? Not at All.
Used wisely, they can serve a purpose. For dogs recovering from injury who need to move without overexerting, or for controlled sniffing and toileting in designated areas, they can offer a useful compromise between total freedom and structured walking.
Theyâre also helpful for training transitions â giving a dog the feeling of increased freedom while still being technically on-lead. But again, this is done with intent, not as a default.
When (and How) to Use a Flexi-Lead Responsibly
⢠Never near roads or traffic. Itâs simply too risky.
⢠Never on your daily structured walk. This should be about connection and engagement.
⢠Always check the mechanism. Dry it, store it properly, and inspect it regularly.
⢠Use it for short-term, purposeful activities. Sniff breaks, toileting, or certain play sessions.
⢠Work on recall and lead manners simultaneously. Donât let the flexi become a crutch.
Final Thoughts: Train First, Then Trust
A flexi-lead should never replace proper training. It is a tool, not a shortcut. Until your dog understands lead pressure, walks calmly by your side, and reliably responds to recall, donât give them five metres of freedom and expect it to go well.
As with any tool, itâs not the lead itself thatâs the problem â itâs how itâs used.
Train first, then trust. Thatâs the mantra. Your lead â whether fixed or retractable â is only as good as the handler holding it and the training foundation beneath it.
And please, for the love of dogs â keep it off the streets and out of town centres.
Other brands are available and have all the same issues!
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